Meaning: The quote you provided is attributed to Trofim Lysenko, a Soviet biologist and agronomist known for his controversial and unscientific theories on genetics and agriculture. In the quote, Lysenko is referencing Charles Darwin and his theoretical errors, suggesting that it was the principles of Marxism that revealed and addressed these errors. This quote reflects Lysenko's belief in the compatibility of Marxist ideology with scientific principles, particularly in the field of biology and genetics.

To understand the significance of this quote, it is essential to delve into the historical and scientific context in which it was made. Charles Darwin, a British naturalist, is best known for his theory of evolution by natural selection, which he presented in his seminal work "On the Origin of Species" published in 1859. Darwin's theory revolutionized the understanding of the natural world, providing a robust explanation for the diversity of life on Earth. However, despite its groundbreaking nature, Darwin's theory also faced criticism and challenges, particularly in the realm of social and political ideologies.

Lysenko's reference to Darwin's theoretical errors reflects a broader critique of Western scientific thought within the context of Soviet ideology. During Lysenko's career, the Soviet Union was under the rule of Joseph Stalin, and the government sought to control scientific research and knowledge to align with Marxist ideology. Lysenko's own theories on genetics and agriculture, known as Lysenkoism, rejected Mendelian genetics and embraced the inheritance of acquired characteristics, a concept that was not supported by empirical evidence.

The mention of Marxism in the quote underscores Lysenko's belief that Marxist principles could guide and correct scientific theories, including those of Darwin. Marxism, as a socio-political and economic theory, emphasizes materialism and dialectical materialism, which Lysenko sought to integrate into biological science. Lysenko's assertion that it was the classics of Marxism that revealed Darwin's errors aligns with his efforts to portray his own theories as in line with Marxist principles, despite the lack of scientific validity.

The quote by Lysenko also sheds light on the politicization of science during his era. In the Soviet Union, scientific research was subject to ideological scrutiny, and scientists were expected to align their work with the principles of Marxism-Leninism. Lysenko's rise to prominence and influence in Soviet biology was facilitated by his willingness to conform to the ideological dictates of the state, rather than adhere to empirical evidence and scientific consensus.

In conclusion, the quote attributed to Trofim Lysenko reflects his perspective on the relationship between scientific theories, ideological principles, and the influence of Marxism on biological science. Lysenko's assertion that Marxism revealed the errors in Darwin's theories reflects the politicization of science in the Soviet Union and Lysenko's own efforts to align his unscientific theories with Marxist ideology. The quote serves as a reminder of the complex interplay between scientific inquiry, ideological influence, and the consequences of politicizing scientific knowledge.